ALL MONTH LONG:

SINGLES OUTINGS, HOOKY HIKES, and IMPROMPTU OUTINGS Atlantic Chapter/Lower Hudson Group email list of impromptu singles outings, hooky hikes & other impromptu outings led by Murray Schechter, Don Pachner and others. Events include museum trips, social events, photography outings, nature walks, day hikes, beach trips, etc. To be put on list for notification via email click here and go to "Join or Leave the List"

SHAWANGUNK SERVICE TRIPS Help spruce up one of the region’s most beautiful trails in one of the 10 most endangered ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere. Moderate to strenuous outing, including a 5 mile hike. Possible dinner afterwards in New Paltz. Light cotton work gloves required (available for $1 or $2 at most hardware stores). Hiking boots recommended. Group size limited and early start required due to transportation requirements. You will be notified of the trips throughout the fall. To be placed on the email notification list or for further information, subscribe to the Impromptu/Singles Outings List used also for notification of Shawangunk Service Trips.   Pictures of previous trips available on web site . Participants on two or more trips will receive an official Gertrude's Nose Trail Maintainer T-shirt when they are designed and  produced!

NYC VEGETARIANS NYC Vegetarians - fun and informal vegetarian dinners, picnics, hikes and other activities throughout the year.  To register for the NYC Vegetarians list-serv, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCVegetarians then follow the instructions. (advertisement)

To May Schedule

SCHEDULED OUTINGS (underlined trips require pre-registration):

June 1 (Fri Evening 8 PM) You are cordially invited to a preview of IF TRUTH BE KNOWN a play by Judi Komaki (one of our regular Sierra Club hikers) At the ArcLight Theatre (152 West 71st Street/Bdway). TICKETS: www.Smarttix.com   or 212-868-4444. Accepting TDF vouchers. June 1st at 8am. Directed by Christine Simpson. Produced by Blue Heron's Ardelle Striker (www.blueheron-nyc.org). For more information, there's a write-up out at: http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=18359 LEADER: Judi Komaki (the playwright) I'll be at the ticket counter with a bright yellow purse. Afterwards, we can go to a neighborhood restaurant. Leader: Judi: laterising@earthlink.net  "In the Nation’s capitol in 1982, a woman struggles to understand the problems she’s been having with the man of her dreams, a Vietnam vet. Class difference? He comes from an old American family; she's the granddaughter of a Japanese picture bride. Or is it race that pose an insurmountable hurdle? If truth be known...a love story. "

June 2 (Sat)  Bronx Botanical Garden  Roses, tulip trees, forest walk and optional visit to conservatory.  Around 4 miles at a very leisurely pace. Take the 10:23 Harlem Line train from Grand Central, arriving at the "Botanical Garden" Station at 10:42.  Fare OW $3 with "City Ticket."   Alternatively, take the 4 or D subway to "Bedford Park Blvd." and then the #26 bus east to the Mosholu Gate entrance -- or, the 2 subway to "Allerton Ave." and then the #26 bus west to the entrance.   Meet just inside the Mosholu Gate at 10:45.  Admission to the Gardens is free on Saturdays until noon.  Conservatory admission: $8/Srs.$7.  If driving, park in the lot by the station ($10) or on a nearby street.  No coordination of rides.  Visit will end by 3 but, of course, you are free to leave earlier or stay later.  It is not necessary to register, but you must call or (preferably) email me beforehand to make sure that the visit is on.  Bring lunch and beverage, or buy it in the cafeteria.  No pets; no smoking.  Joint with AMC.  Bob Susser 212-666-4371; rsusser@aol.com
June 2 (Sat) SHAWANGUNK NATURE HIKE TO GERTRUDE'S NOSE POSTPONED FROM APRIL 21 Moderate to strenuous 7-8 mile ridge hike from Lake Minnewaska to spectacular views from top of Millbrook Mountain and the dramatic scenery and unique ecology of Gertrude's Nose footpath on the front escarpment, 1,000 feet above the Walkill Valley.  Return on historic carriage roads.  Possible sightings of peregrine falcons soaring along the cliffs, an ice cave, graphic examples of acid rain impacts, endangered plant species and views of the rugged Palmaghatt Ravine, site of a recent environmental battle to save the ridge.  One of The Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places."  Leader Don Pachner email wildplaces@verizon.net or Tel. 914-234-6618 (week before the hike only, no calls after 10 PM.)  New Paltz Transportation but let leader know you will be coming on bus so we have enough drivers available. Co-sponsored by Minnewaska State Park.

June 6 (Fri Evening 8 PM) You are cordially invited to a performance of IF TRUTH BE KNOWN a play by Judi Komaki (one of our regular Sierra Club hikers) At the ArcLight Theatre (152 West 71st Street/Bdway). TICKETS: www.Smarttix.com   or 212-868-4444. Accepting TDF vouchers. June 1st at 8am. Directed by Christine Simpson. Produced by Blue Heron's Ardelle Striker (www.blueheron-nyc.org). For more information, there's a write-up out at: http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=18359 LEADER: Judi Komaki (the playwright) I'll be at the ticket counter with a bright yellow purse. Afterwards, we can go to a neighborhood restaurant. Leader: Judi: laterising@earthlink.net  "In the Nation’s capitol in 1982, a woman struggles to understand the problems she’s been having with the man of her dreams, a Vietnam vet. Class difference? He comes from an old American family; she's the granddaughter of a Japanese picture bride. Or is it race that pose an insurmountable hurdle? If truth be known...a love story. "

June 9 (Sat) FIRST SHAWANGUNK SERVICE TRIP OF 2007 Moderate to strenuous 5 mile hike and work trip. We will be driven to the trailhead by the park rangers. Help maintain one of the most spectacular trails in the NYC region Gertrude's Nose Footpath a thousand feet above the Walkill Valley floor. On the list of The Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places." Mountain laurel should be blooming and guaranteed cool seat in front of a misting ice cave. See alpine flowers normally found on high mountain peaks and listen to abundant bird song as we work. Cotton work gloves and hiking boots strongly recommended. Tools will be supplied by Sierra Club. Bring at least 2 liters of water and lunch. Transportation: Drivers meet at park entrance at 9:15 AM or at New Paltz Bus Depot at 8:45 AM  and bus riders must let leader know in advance. Public transportation 7 AM Adirondack Trailways Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to New Paltz, Arr. 8:35 AM. Drivers take NYS Thruway to New Paltz-Poughkeepsie-Route 299 Exit #18. Turn left about 1 mile to bus depot on right a couple hundred yards after intersection with Route 32. MUST REGISTER WITH LEADER Don Pachner Email wildplaces@verizon.net  Tel. 914-234-6618

June 14 (Fri Evening 8 PM) You are cordially invited to a performance of IF TRUTH BE KNOWN a play by Judi Komaki (one of our regular Sierra Club hikers) At the ArcLight Theatre (152 West 71st Street/Bdway). TICKETS: www.Smarttix.com   or 212-868-4444. Accepting TDF vouchers. June 1st at 8am. Directed by Christine Simpson. Produced by Blue Heron's Ardelle Striker (www.blueheron-nyc.org). For more information, there's a write-up out at: http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=18359 LEADER: Judi Komaki (the playwright) I'll be at the ticket counter with a bright yellow purse. Afterwards, we can go to a neighborhood restaurant. Leader: Judi: laterising@earthlink.net  "In the Nation’s capitol in 1982, a woman struggles to understand the problems she’s been having with the man of her dreams, a Vietnam vet. Class difference? He comes from an old American family; she's the granddaughter of a Japanese picture bride. Or is it race that pose an insurmountable hurdle? If truth be known...a love story. "

June 16 (Sat)  Central Park Trees & Other Flora.    Ned Barnard, the author of "New York City Trees - A Field Guide For the Metropolitan Area,"  will escort us on another one of his very popular tree identification walks, this time paying attention also to the many species of wildflower also found in the park.  Of necessity, the walk will go at a snail's pace with many stops, and is not for those looking to get a lot of exercise.  Meet 10:30 at the northeast corner of 72nd St. &  5th Ave.  The walk will end around 3 PM, so bring lunch.  It is not necessary to register, but you must call or (preferably) email me beforehand to make sure that the walk is on.  Ned will have a limited number of his books on hand for those who wish to buy one ($10).  Let me know if you are thinking of buying a book so Ned will have some idea of how many to bring along.  No pets, no smoking. Joint with AMC.  Leader: Bob Susser, 212-666-4371; rsusser@aol.com

June 17 (Sun)  Johnsontown Circular Hike   Bring your dad along on this ridge walk on the Blue Disc and other trails, passing by Lake Skenanto with its oceans of mountain laurel (now at their peak).  Around 7 miles at a moderate pace. Out around 4.  It is not necessary to register, but you must call or (preferably) email me beforehand to make sure that the hike is on, and if you need or can offer a ride from NYC. Take the 9:14 Jersey Transit train from Penn Sta., changing at Secaucus for the 9:31 Port Jervis train to Sloatsburg, arriving at 10:12 (fare: RT$14.75/Srs.$9).  Or, take the 9:10 ShortLine bus from the PABT arr. Sloatsburg 10:07 (fare: RT$25.90/Srs.$12.90).  Out in time for the 4:28 train back to Penn Sta.  No children, no pets, no smoking.  Joint with AMC.  Bob Susser 212 666-4371; rsusser@aol.com .

June 23 (Sat)  Fahnestock  Various trails through woods and high-level meadows with a profusion of wildflowers and alpine-like vistas.  Around 8 miles at a moderate pace.  Out around 5.  It is not necessary to register, but you must call or (preferably) email me beforehand to make sure that the hike is on, and if you need or can offer a ride from NYC.  Take the 9:51 train Hudson Line MetroNorth train from Grand Central, arriving in Cold Spring at 11:07 (fare: OW$10/Srs.$6.50).  This train may also be boarded 10:10 at the Marble Hill station (one block from the 225th St. stop on the #1 subway).  Fare: OW$7.50/Srs.3.75.  Please sit in the first or second open car of the train.  No children, no pets, no smoking.  Joint with AMC.  Bob Susser 212 666-4371; rsusser@aol.com .

June 23 (Sat) SHAWANGUNK SERVICE TRIP Moderate to strenuous 5 mile hike and work trip. We will be driven to the trailhead by the park rangers. Help maintain one of the most spectacular trails in the NYC region Gertrude's Nose Footpath a thousand feet above the Walkill Valley floor. On the list of The Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places." Mountain laurel may still be blooming and a guaranteed cool seat in front of a misting ice cave for lunch under sun-dappled walls of fern. See alpine flowers normally found on high mountain peaks and listen to abundant bird song as we work.  Always a fun trip with time to talk with fellow Sierrans while you work on the trail in beautiful surroundings.  Cotton work gloves and hiking boots strongly recommended. Tools will be supplied by Sierra Club. Bring at least 2 liters of water and lunch. Possible dinner afterwards in New Paltz.  Transportation: Drivers meet at park entrance at 9:15 AM or at New Paltz Bus Depot at 8:45 AM  and bus riders must let leader know in advance. Public transportation 7 AM Adirondack Trailways Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to New Paltz, Arr. 8:35 AM. Drivers take NYS Thruway to New Paltz-Poughkeepsie-Route 299 Exit #18. Turn left about 1 mile to bus depot on right a couple hundred yards after intersection with Route 32. MUST REGISTER WITH LEADER Don Pachner Email wildplaces@verizon.net  Tel. 914-234-6618 (No calls after 10 PM please)

June 30 (Sat)  BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDENS.  Last day of "Rose Month."  The Garden has 5000 rosebushes (count 'em!) containing some 1200 varieties.  In addition to the rose garden we'll visit the goldfish and turtles in the Japanese garden and look at some trees.  Meet 11 am at the Garden entrance.  To get there take the 2 or 3 subway to "Eastern Parkway."  Bring lunch or buy it at the cafe.  Admission to the Garden is free on Saturdays until 12.  No need to call or email unless you have a question -- just show up.  LEADER Bob Susser TEL. 212 666-4371; EMAIL rsusser@aol.com

June 30 (Sat) SHAWANGUNK SERVICE TRIP Moderate to strenuous 5 mile hike and work trip. We will be driven to the trailhead by the park rangers. Help maintain one of the most spectacular trails in the NYC region Gertrude's Nose Footpath a thousand feet above the Walkill Valley floor. On the list of The Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places." First ripe blueberries of the season and a guaranteed cool seat in front of a cool ice cave for lunch. See alpine flowers normally found on high mountain peaks and listen to abundant bird song as we work.  Always a fun trip with time to talk with fellow Sierrans while you work on the trail in beautiful surroundings.  Cotton work gloves and hiking boots strongly recommended. Tools will be supplied by Sierra Club. Bring at least 3 liters of water and lunch. Possible swim at the park after work.  Posxsible dinner afterwards in New Paltz.  Transportation: Drivers meet at park entrance at 9:15 AM or at New Paltz Bus Depot at 8:45 AM  and bus riders must let leader know in advance. Public transportation 7 AM Adirondack Trailways Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to New Paltz, Arr. 8:35 AM. Drivers take NYS Thruway to New Paltz-Poughkeepsie-Route 299 Exit #18. Turn left about 1 mile to bus depot on right a couple hundred yards after intersection with Route 32. MUST REGISTER WITH LEADER Don Pachner Email wildplaces@verizon.net  Tel. 914-234-6618 (No calls after 10 PM please)

 

<Return to June Calendar>

OUTINGS TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION & TRAILHEADS FOR HIKERS

NYC TRANSPORTATION: Unless otherwise specified, buses leave from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) at 8th Ave. & 41st St. in Manhattan, while trains leave from Grand Central Terminal (GCT) at Park Ave. & 42nd St. in Manhattan (or take the IRT #1 Broadway subway to 225th St. for the Marble Hill station). Check bus and train schedules for changes. The leader will wait for the bus or train to arrive. Although car rides might not be available on the way back, a one-way ticket is a good bet. Car pool arrangements are strictly between the rider and the driver, not the leader or the Sierra Club. It is suggested that each passenger pay five cents a mile, and that all passengers share in the tolls. Drivers should arrive in time to meet the bus or train. Bring your lunch—the group will not wait for you to buy it at the meeting point. Do not assume you can leave your car all day at the meeting point – ask the leader.

ARDEN: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North 2.3 miles past Red Apple Rest (see Southfields). Turn right onto Arden Valley Road (not marked, but where Appalachian Trail enters Harriman Park). Drive ¼-mile over Thruway and turn right into dirt parking lot. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Arden, arriving at 9:10. Get off at Arden entrance of Harriman Park. Walk east ¼ mile up road and turn right into the parking lot.

BEAR MOUNTAIN: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway to Exit 19-Bear Mountain Park. Meet at entrance to the Bear Mountain Inn. Nondrivers: Take 8:45 International Bus (Shortline ticket window) from PABT to Bear Mountain, arriving at 10:15. Meet at entrance to the Bear Mountain Inn.

BREAKNECK RIDGE: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 11 miles (past Cold Spring). Go through a tunnel and park ¼ mile north of the tunnel on the left-hand side of the road. Nondrivers: [weekends only]: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Breakneck Ridge (flagstop—tell the conductor), arriving at 10:14. Walk back ¼-mile towards tunnel and meet in parking area on left.

COLD SPRING: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 10 miles, make a left on Main St., and meet near the Station Café (to the right of the foot of Main St.). Nondrivers: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Cold Spring, arriving at 10:10. Walk north (do not cross over the tracks) and meet drivers at the Station Cafe.

GARRISON: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 6 miles, then take Route 403 West for half a mile. At train station, continue via overpass to other side of tracks (Hudson River side) and park at the south end, between ticket booth and deli. Nondrivers: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Garrison, arriving at 10:06.

GREENWOOD LAKE: Drivers: Take the GW Bridge to Route 4 to Route 208 to I-287 South. Exit 57 to Skyline Drive North until it comes to an end. Make a right onto Route 511 (Greenwood Lake Turnpike) north. Continue through intersection with Lakeside Road (a/k/a Union Valley Road/Route 513) - West Milford diner is on your right; just ahead on your left, park in the Hewitt Plaza (A&P) shopping mall parking lot, near the Mobil gas station. Nondrivers: Take NJ Transit bus from PABT-leaving at 8:30 AM Sat. or weekdays (arriving at 9:57) or 8:45 AM Sun. (arriving at 10:12) to Greenwood Lake, New Jersey. Check latest schedule with NJ Transit (973-762-5100) – it varies.

MANITOU: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 1.3 miles, and turn left onto Manitou Road. Park next to the railroad tracks. Nondrivers [weekends only]: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Manitou (flagstop—tell the conductor), arriving at 10:01.

MOUNTAINVILLE: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 16 (Harriman). Take Route 32 North through Central Valley, Woodbury and Highland Mills to intersection with Angola Road, adjacent to Black Rock Fish & Game Club sign on left. Wait for the leader. Nondrivers: Take the 8:30 Shortline bus from PABT to Mountainville, arriving at 9:52.

NEW PALTZ (Minnewaska, Mohonk, Awosting): Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 18. Turn left, go down hill approximately a mile to the Trailways bus station. Park on the street, not in the parking lot; please don't block the buses or cabs. Nondrivers: Take the 8:30 Adirondack Trailways bus from PABT to New Paltz, arriving at 10:00. Exit the parking lot and meet the leader on the street; please don't block the buses or cabs.

SLOATSBURG: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North to Sloatsburg. Look for the Municipal Bldg. (2-story, modern red brick) on the right, make a hard right turn, make a second right before crossing the RR tracks (200 ft.), and a third right into the railroad commuter parking lot south of the station. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Sloatsburg (next stop after Suffern), arriving at 8:52. Get off in front of the Sloatsburg Municipal Building, and follow driving directions above (it’s not far).

SOUTHFIELDS: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North past Sloatsburg and Tuxedo to Southfields. Park in back of the Red Apple Rest, a large diner on the right-hand side of the northbound lane. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Southfields, arriving at 9:02. Meet at the Red Apple Rest.

SUFFERN: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 14B-Airmont Road. Go left on Airmont Road to Route 59 West to Suffern. Park in railroad parking lot behind the bus shelter. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Suffern, arriving at 8:43.

TUXEDO: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North several miles past Sloatsburg. Park in lot by police station/railroad station. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Tuxedo, arriving 8:57.

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